Postcards From Home



New Armory

Much of the material in this story comes from “Rock Island’s Modernistic Architecture,” published by the Preservation Commission.  You can pick up a free copy at the downtown Rock Island … [ Continued



Parade & Stable on Third Avenue

Third Avenue West from 17th Street In 1908, Rock Island was home to the annual statewide conclave of the Knights Templar, a Masonic organization that claims roots in the Crusades.  … [ Continued



Teddy’s Day

Second Avenue East from 17th Street  This unused postcard from Shannon Hall’s collection shows a parade along Second Avenue, apparently celebrating a visit to Rock Island by President Theodore “Teddy” … [ Continued



State Bank Building

Second Avenue & 17th Street Second Avenue and 17th Street north of Market Square has been home to a bank since the earliest days of Rock Island. The story owes … [ Continued



St. Joseph’s Church

14th Street & Second Avenue  St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, on the southwest corner of 14th Street and Second Avenue in Rock Island, shares a history with both the Presbyterian Church … [ Continued



Rock Island Plow Company

Vicinity Second Avenue & 6th Street  This story begins about 1855.  For over a century, it was a roller coaster ride, climbing upward in good times with good-paying jobs, then … [ Continued



Rock Island Public Library

19th Street & 4th Avenue Because this postcard is a “Real Photo,” it is an accurate representation of the Rock Island Public Library, which was built in 1903.   And although … [ Continued



Potter House

1906 7th Avenue  This postcard shows the familiar home on 7th Avenue in Rock Island that was the home of one of the most prominent business women in Rock Island … [ Continued